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View of the Königstein Fortress

Hohnstein Castle is located in the immediate vicinity of the Saxon Switzerland National Park and not far from the Bastei on a rocky promontory above the romantic Polenztal valley and the town of Hohnstein. The medieval castle complex was first mentioned in a document from 1353, was the seat of the nobility, an office, a state prison and a hunting lodge - and in the 1920s it was the largest and most beautiful youth hostel in Germany. Hohnstein Castle is a picturesque monument just because of its location. The immediate surroundings of the rocks and the deeply cut valleys attracted painters in the 18th and 19th centuries. Caspar David Friedrich was no exception! He was repeatedly inspired by the Elbe Sandstones during his wanderings. Hohnstein Castle is one of these places of inspiration. Above, two impressions from the Polenztal valley, below, a quick study of Hohnstein Castle: a lost sketchbook page from July 8, 1800, tells of a full day of wandering. It is easy to imagine the young Caspar David Friedrich, tired but happy on a warm summer evening after the many impressions of the day, probably sitting in the gazebo of the Gasthaus zum Hirsch inn on Hohnstein square, putting his last drawing to paper. The plan for the next day is probably already made: another trip down to the Schindergraben to draw the ruins at Schinderloch.

Hinterhermsdorf is a cute place with a restaurant and a small supermarket.

From the Königstein village path at the Königsstein, a steep climb (16% gradient) over old cobblestones is not possible due to the risk of slipping. Going down is life-threatening! We pushed our bikes up. Even hikers fell in front of us. Do not ride here under any circumstances.

The scenery is beautiful. Driving-wise, it's like a forest highway 🤷‍♂️

The cycle route through the national park is super beautiful and takes you all the way through the national park.

A beautiful view of Hohenstein Castle.

One of the most beautiful trails in the national park.